Thursday, November 18, 2004

Parrish the Thoughtless

I went surfing this morning in the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Chapter 15. Psychiatric Disorders. I was looking for something.....anything that might explain why Caroyln Parrish insists on making such an ass of herself and, by extension in the eyes of others, you and me and Canada. What I found was interesting.

"Mental coping mechanisms (defenses) are used unconsciously at times by everyone. But in persons with personality disorders, coping mechanisms tend to be immature and maladaptive." Bingo!

"Repetitious confrontation in prolonged psychotherapy or by peer encounters is usually required to make such persons aware of these mechanisms." Peer encounters don't seem to be working, so perhaps the PM should refer Ms. Parrish to a professional.

"Without environmental frustration, persons with personality disorders may or may not be dissatisfied with themselves." She seems to be pretty darned proud of herself, thank you very much.

Let's bring in their definition of schizophrenia here: "A common and serious mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality (psychosis), hallucinations (false perceptions), delusions (false beliefs), abnormal thinking, flattened affect (restricted range of emotions), diminished motivation, and disturbed work and social functioning." Can anyone argue that Ms. Parrish does not fit this definition in whole or in part?

"Often they do not see a need for therapy, and they are referred by their peers, their families, or a social agency because their maladaptive behavior causes difficulties for others." Um, like Parliament and Canada?

"Because these patients usually view their difficulties as discrete and outside of themselves, mental health professionals have difficulty getting them to see that the problem is really based on who they are." And who she is is not a pretty sight on any professional level.

Civil disagreement between politicians and ideologies is fine, and it can be a great vehicle for progress in the hands of civil and professional people. Ms. Parrish is neither civil nor professional. Paul Martin has shown no real inclination or ability to deal with Ms. Parrish and, apparently, he and his whole government can "all go to hell". I would point out to the PM that he is our leader and not just the leader of the Liberals; assuming for one silly moment that one does not have to be Liberal to be Canadian. He needs to do something and he needs to do it now.

As for the people of Mississauga-Erindale, what are you thinking?!

None of the above is intended to make light of mental illness. There is nothing funny about either mental illness or Carolyn Parrish. Both need to be treated.